I'd like to start out by saying that I have a fantastic extended family. I am one of 14 grandchildren ranging in age 40 something to 10. When everyone gets together, it's quite a crowd and we have a great time. I love my family. However, a little over a year ago, one of my cousins got arrested. He got into trouble and ended up in the Leake County jail. His court date was this morning. I went. Not once in my life have I ever stepped foot into a courtroom. The only experience with a courtroom that I have is from Law and Order. (I must say that it's not that far off, just not so dramatic.) Well, I watched as person after person pled guilty to the crime that they were accused of. The judge asked them questions that made them very uncomfortable. It ran the gammit--drugs, rape, assault in prison. As I sat there and watched the judge pronounce sentences, I thought I'd be OK when they brought my cousin out. When they brought him out, he looked square at me. He mouthed "Hey...
Some things just need to be said, no matter how hard it is to hear.